Skip to main content

Rumor: Apple will launch MacBook Pro upgrade next week

Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch) April 2010It’s been a busy week for Apple. What with the iPad 2 and iPhone 5 rumors reaching epidemic proportions, it was almost able to sneak word about its product announcement by. Almost.

In a refreshing turn, we will most likely be looking at a refreshed MacBook Pro lineup. According to Apple Insider, “people familiar with the matter” report Apple has been internally notifying staff to be ready for a product launch next week. All signs point to new MacBook Pros, which have long awaited an update. If true, Apple’s about a week ahead of schedule.

The new models should include various spec enhancements, and more notably are expected to include Intel’s Sandy Bridge architecture. Apple was apparently unaffected by the notorious flaw in the chipset, which also resulted in shipment stalls.

intel-leaked-macbook-pro-adAnd it’s not only the laptops insides that are getting a revamp. Insiders speculated earlier this year that the new MacBook Pro would potentially have a “unibody chassis redesign and other Apple-specific features.” Which is a pretty vague way of saying they might look different. There was a rumor circulating earlier this week that an Intel ad for its new processors leaked the laptops new design, which looks like a brandless hybrid of a MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in the image. While there’s little to no evidence this is simply a placeholder, fan blogs were abuzz with speculation it’s the new model.

Following Apple’s apparent rule of threes, there’s the possibility we’ll see several different sizes next week as well: Two 13-inch, three 15-inch, and one 17-inch.

As per usual, Apple hasn’t announced any sort of product launch, but keep your ears open next week as a release seems imminent.

Editors' Recommendations

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
Best MacBook deals: Get an Air for $605 and save on M3 MacBook Pro
A MacBook Pro M2 sits on a wooden table with a nice bokeh background.

Apple has long been known to turn out some of the best laptops, with models like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro regularly being among the most sought-after laptops. It can actually be difficult to land some decent Apple deals, as the brand's popularity keeps many of its products from seeing the bargain bin. Right now, however, Apple has a lot of options among the best laptop deals. The original Apple Silicon MacBook Air is seeing some of its lowest prices ever, and there’s even some newer MacBook Pros discounted right now. Whether you’re in search of a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro, reading onward you’ll find the best MacBook deals currently available.
Best MacBook Air (M1) deals

The Apple MacBook Air (M1) started a seismic shift for Apple being the first of its Airs to have an Apple-based processor. We took a look at the differences between the M2 and M1 and the M1 is still looking pretty great. It's also a touch nearer to affordable than anything else here. Fast yet fanless so it's silent to use, you gain an 18-hour battery life, a gorgeous looking 13.3-inch Retina display along with all the effortless style you'd expect from an Apple device. These laptops are best for students or those who want something stylish yet reasonably powerful to use on the move. Nowadays, deals are becoming a little harder to come by unless you're willing to consider a refurbished/renewed model.

Read more
The case for buying the M2 MacBook Air over the M3 model
The screen of the MacBook Air M2.

Apple's MacBook Air M2 recently stood at the top of our list of best laptops, and for good reason. It's incredibly well-built, exuding an elegance that few laptops can match. It's also plenty fast for productivity users, and its GPU is optimized for creators. Its keyboard, touchpad, and display are all top-notch.

Enter the MacBook Air M3, which (hint) took over the MacBook Air's place on that list. The upgraded chipset offers even faster performance, particularly in GPU-intensive apps, and the M3 model supports an additional external display (with the display closed). It's $100 more, but is that uptick in price justified? Let's dig in.
Specs and configurations

Read more
Why you should buy a MacBook Pro instead of a MacBook Air
The 14-inch MacBook Pro on a window sill.

There are plenty of reasons to buy a MacBook Air instead of a MacBook Pro. If you want a MacBook on a budget, you don't necessarily need the goodies that come with upgrading to the MacBook Pro.

That being said, I'm going to argue for spending a little more. In my experience, the MacBook Pro offers several distinct advantages that help justify a higher price, especially with the introduction of the more affordable MacBook Pro 14 with the base M3. If you can stretch your budget a bit, here's why I think you should buy a MacBook Pro instead of a MacBook Air.
Setting the stage: pricing

Read more